You must wonder about the timeline of dental implants and recovery.
Typically, it takes a total of 6 months to completely heal, but sometimes it takes more than that because everyone’s body is different. From restoring teeth, and filling the gaps of missing teeth to regaining your beautiful smile, dental implants can do wonders, but if it is done by a professional with great expertise.
This blog will give you insights about the healing after dental implants, realistic timelines, and some self-care tips. Because handling healing well and following the guidelines is your responsibility.
The foundation of the tooth begins with a surgical procedure where the titanium post is placed in the jawbone. The anesthesia is used to ensure numbness, preventing the patient from pain. To place a titanium implant, a small incision is made to expose the jawbone and drill a hole. Once the implant is placed a healing cap is placed and suture the gums.
Now, it is time when your actual journey of healing to start!
Recovery stages
Just like dental implant stages, healing recovery is also divided. Initial, short-term, mid and long-term recovery. Some people go through bone grafting which requires more than others. So let’s understand the type of recovery so that you will get more clarity.
1. Initial recovery- What to expect within 24 hours
You may experience blood-tinged or pinkish saliva which is common in everyone. Also, due to surgical process and anaesthesia, facial swelling will peak after 48 to 72 hours, so need to worry. To ease your pain and swelling, here are some tips-
- Use ice pack around the area to reduce welling
- Avoid spitting, touching, or rinsing
- Don’t lie your face on the affected area
- Limit physical activities
- Take medications on time
Food to eat and avoid-
| Eat | Avoid |
| Yogurt, smoothies, pudding, protein shakes without strawScrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, cool soup or brothMake sure to eat food after cooling the temperature | Hard, chewy, crunchy food like chips, nuts, bagels, meat, or raw vegetablesSpicy or acidic food can irritate the siteHot food increases swellingAlcohol can interfere with the process of healing |
2. Short-term recovery- 1-to-2-week post-treatment
– Pain and swelling- usually swelling subsides within a few weeks, but due to surgical procedures, pain is there which peaks in the first week. But this is managed through dentists-prescribed medications.
– Soft tissue healing- the gums surrounding the site of the implants take a minimum of 7 to 14 days, based on the healing ability of everyone. During that that, it is necessary to avoid disturbing the site or directly eating from that area to avoid pressure. It can cause inflammation, infection, or implant failure.
– Visit the dentist- make sure to visit a dentist within 2 weeks after the treatment. Through checkups, they can analyze whether the site is free from infection or complications.
Warning signs of failure that you should not avoid:
- Pain increases within the first week of implants
- Sensation around the area
- Little loose or move while touching
- Receding gums around the site
- Swelling, or infection
- Unable to chew or bite
- Unpleasant odor around the implants
3. Mid-term recovery- between 2 to 6 weeks
– Soft tissue healing/maturation- between 2 to 4 weeks, swelling and discomfort gradually decrease, and the gums start to heal, forming a strong seal around your implants. There are some indications of tissue maturation like red gums becoming pink and less inflammation.
– Bone integration begins- this happens between 4 to 6 weeks when the implants start to fuse with the jawbone, and this process is called osseointegration. Also, the lamellar bone becomes more mature, which also creates a high degree of Bone Implant biting Contact (BIC). Successful osseointegration ensures chewing without loosening or failing of implants.
Here are some of the factors that can implant osseointegration timeline-
| Factors | Impacts |
| Density of bone | Less dense bone heals slower than denser bone. |
| Location of implant | The upper jaw takes 4 to 6 months, while the lower jaw recovers faster within 3 to 4 months. |
| Bone grafting | This requires 3 months minimum before implant placement. |
| Diabetes | this impacts the time of healing because high blood sugar impairs bone remodeling |
| Smoking status | This increases failure risks and generally, smokers took 2 more than to heal than non-smokers. |
4. Long-term recovery- after 6 weeks
Once the osteointegration is completely done and the implant is fused with the bone, the next step of the implant is started.
1) Final restoration:
– Abutment placement and healing collar- by confirming successful osseointegration through x-ray, abutment placement is started. Through a minor surgical process, the gums are exposed to the implant, then an abutment is attached to the implant, serving as a connector for the final crown. Then gum tissue is sutured, and proper healing abutment is slightly visible. It typically takes 3 weeks to heal.
– Permanent crown or prosthetics- once the gums are completely healing around the abutment, the dentist takes the impression for crown purposes. Also, the color of the teeth and shape to look like a natural tooth are processed. Once the crown is ready, it is placed on the abutment, and stick it on place. Now, finally, the process to restore teeth and smile is complete.
Before leaving, the dentist also checks the bite just to see whether the chances of unnecessary adjustment are there or not.
2) Self-care tips
- Use a soft bristle or nylon brush, as these are gentle and won’t harm your implant. Make sure to avoid using brushes with have hard bristles because these can scar or scratch the site, causing pain or swelling.
- Any abrasive mouthwash or toothpaste should be avoided, as these can cause discomfort. Also, flavored products like mint, cinnamon, etc., can lead to sensation, making you uncomfortable. It is better to ask the dentist and ensure to use of prescribed products only.
- Flossing is a great practice to maintain oral hygiene, but only a few do it. It accumulates plaque easily around implants also and is not harsh on your teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day should become a habit if you really want to keep your oral health maintained.
- Food like ice, hardshell tacos, carrots, caramel, candies, apples, steak, crusty bread, gums, and other sticky and hard food should be avoided.
- Alcohol and cigarettes can create a non-favorable environment in your mouth for your implants and can also slow the healing process. It is better to quit, but make sure to stay away from smoking and drinking for a minimum of 6 months post-treatment.
- However, your dentist will tell you to come every month for checkups for a minimum of 6 months. But it is your responsibility to consult with the dentist time-to-time, and communicate if you have any problems.
Conclusion
A dental implant is a life-changing solution to restore a smile, teeth functions, and also aesthetics. It is also necessary for all the patients, who are thinking or already in the treatment phase should know about the realistic timeline of dental implants. Because it requires planning, patience, and commitment, and also, it takes 6 or more than 6 months to fully complete the procedure and healing. At Elite Dental Group, with intuitively provide advanced technological solutions to our patients to ensure the right treatment, and provide all the information prior to the treatment. This gives patients time to settle down their things or manage the work accordingly. Moreover, by maintaining oral hygiene, following post-operative care and guidelines, and visiting dentists for regular check-ups, you can ensure the longevity of the dental implants.
Apart from that, if you have any queries or are still confused regarding dental treatment or hygiene, Elite Dental Group is the right solution for you. Rather than falling for the things that others tell you, it is best to consult with the best because your oral hygiene impacts your smile.
FAQ’s
How long does dental implant recovery take?
It varies from person to person, but usually, it takes 3 to 6 months for complete healing. Sometimes, the time can increase, as it depends on the healing ability of the body.
How long does the pain last?
Somehow for 1 and a half weeks, you will feel little discomfort around the area because of the surgical procedure. But after that, you may start to feel normal.
When I can resume my regular activities?
Within 2 days, you can start your day-to-day activities. But when it comes to working out, make sure to avoid lifting weights or strenuous exercise for a minimum of 7 days. This can increase blood pressure and lead to bleeding.
For many days, I should avoid eating normally.
Make sure to consume light and cold food like lentils. For 2 weeks, it is better to avoid any food which requires chewing or biting. Once your site is completely healed, you can start eating from that site too.